HONG KONG STUDY
ANNEX L
SECRET
LEGAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG
PART I: THE LAWS OF THE TERRITORY
Amended
7.B.
27/4
Present Position
1.
The municipal law of Hong Kong, like that of most
colonies, derives from English common law, as modified
by: -
2.
a)
b)
c)
d)
UK statutes extending to Hong Kong of their own force or applying there by reason of their adoption;
United Kingdom Orders in Council made in respect of Hong Kong either under United Kingdom Statutes or the Royal
prerogative;
Ordinances enacted by the local legislature;
Subsidiary legislation under the fore-
going under United Kingdom statutes, UK
Orders in Council or local Ordinances.
There are no laws of Chinese origin operating in the
colony except where Chinese custom has (to a limited extent)
been incorporated into the municipal law, in other words
the system of law has a British stamp and is
administered by courts of a British type (see Part II of
this. Annex). Written laws are in English and the courts
administer them in English, with the assistance of
interpreters.
SECRET
/Effect
1